RF-30A High frequency PCB 2-layer 20mil with Immersion Gold 1oz (1.4 mils) ed copper outer layers

RF-30A: Unleashing the Power of Taconic's Organic-Ceramic Laminate

Introduction:
Welcome to the world of RF-30A, an exceptional organic-ceramic laminate in the renowned Taconic family of RF substrates. Born from Taconic's expertise in ceramic filler and PTFE coating technology, RF-30A offers unmatched stability in both electrical and mechanical properties. This low loss dielectric substrate, coupled with low profile copper foil, delivers superior performance in terms of reduced insertion loss, improved PIMD levels, and enhanced dimensional stability. Join us as we explore the remarkable features, benefits, and applications of RF-30A, a substrate that propels RF component design to new heights.

Unparalleled Features:
RF-30A stands out with its exceptional features, setting a new standard in RF substrates. Here are the key highlights:

1. Impressive Electrical Performance:
RF-30A boasts a dielectric constant (DK) of 2.97 +/- 0.05 at 1.9 GHz/23°C, ensuring reliable signal transmission and precise impedance control. With a dissipation factor of 0.0013 at 1.9 GHz/23°C and 0.0020 at 10 GHz, RF-30A exhibits low signal loss, making it ideal for high-frequency applications where accuracy and efficiency are crucial.

2. Stable Mechanical Properties:
Designed for stability, RF-30A offers superior mechanical properties. With a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 8 ppm/°C in the X-axis, 11 ppm/°C in the Y-axis, and 60 ppm/°C in the Z-axis, this substrate exhibits minimal dimensional changes even under varying temperature conditions. The result is enhanced dimensional stability, reduced phase shift, and improved impedance properties across a wide frequency range.

3. Enhanced Reliability:
RF-30A's low Z-axis CTE, optimized with ceramic technology, contributes to improved plated-through-hole (PTH) reliability and simplifies the fabrication of multilayer circuits. This characteristic, combined with stable mechanical properties, ensures reliable performance and longevity of RF components.

Benefits of RF-30A:
RF-30A offers an array of benefits that make it a preferred choice for RF designs. Here are the key advantages:

1. Excellent PIM Values:
RF-30A delivers exceptional passive intermodulation distortion (PIM) values, measuring lower than -160 dBc*. This attribute ensures high signal purity, minimizing interference and maintaining signal integrity in demanding RF applications.

2. Superior PTH Quality:
With improved Z-axis CTE and ceramic optimization, RF-30A enhances the quality and reliability of plated-through-hole connections. This feature enables robust and durable PCB assemblies, reducing the risk of failures and ensuring long-term performance.

3. Stable Performance at High Frequencies and Temperatures:
RF-30A provides stable electrical properties even at high frequencies, making it suitable for applications that demand precise signal transmission in the gigahertz range. Additionally, its stable performance across a wide temperature range ensures consistent operation under varying thermal conditions.

4. Low Moisture Absorption and Dimensional Stability:
RF-30A exhibits an ultra-low moisture absorption rate, minimizing the impact of humidity on electrical performance. Combined with its excellent dimensional stability, this feature ensures reliable operation in diverse environments, reducing the risk of electrical degradation and maintaining signal integrity.

5. Excellent Peel Strength and Mechanical Rigidity:
RF-30A offers outstanding peel strength for 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce RT copper, making it ideal for applications requiring rework or repeated reflow processes. Its rigid mechanical properties provide robustness and durability, allowing RF components to withstand challenging conditions without compromising performance.

6. Optimal Price/Performance Ratio:
RF-30A delivers exceptional performance without compromising affordability. Its excellent price-to-performance ratio makes it a cost-effective choice for RF designs, enabling engineers to achieve high-quality results within budget constraints.

PCB Construction and Specifications:
RF-30A is versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into various PCB stackups. For a typical 2-layer rigid PCB construction, the specifications are as follows:

• Copper Layer 1: 35 μm
• RF-30A: 0.508 mm (20mil)
• Copper Layer 2: 35 μm
• Board dimensions: 138.8mm x 127.15 mm (1PCS), +/- 0.15mm
• Minimum Trace/Space: 4/6 mils
• Minimum Hole Size: 0.3mm
• Finished Board Thickness: 0.6mm
• Finished Copper Weight: 1oz (1.4 mils) outer layers
• Via Plating Thickness: 20 μm
• Surface Finish: Immersion Gold
• Top Silkscreen: White
• Bottom Silkscreen: White
• Top Solder Mask: Green
• Bottom Solder Mask: Green
• 100% Electrical Test conducted prior toshipment.

PCB Statistics:
The RF-30A PCB design incorporates the following statistics:

• Components: 63
• Total Pads: 212
• Thru Hole Pads: 116
• Top SMT Pads: 75
• Bottom SMT Pads: 21
• Vias: 94
• Nets: 5

Artwork and Standards:
To ensure compatibility and reliability, the RF-30A PCB design accepts Gerber RS-274-X artwork files and adheres to the IPC-Class-2 standard. These industry-standard practices ensure consistent manufacturing quality and compliance with recognized PCB fabrication guidelines.

Availability and Typical Applications:
RF-30A is available worldwide, making it accessible for RF designers across the globe. Its exceptional properties and performance make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Antenna and subcomponents: RF-30A enables the development of high-performance antennas and related RF components, ensuring precise signal transmission and reception.
• RF passive components: Whether it's filters, couplers, or attenuators, RF-30A provides an ideal substrate for RF passive components, offering low loss and stable performance.
• Power Amplifier: RF-30A's stable electrical and mechanical properties make it an excellent choice for power amplifier PCBs, ensuring efficient power delivery and minimizing signal distortion.

Conclusion:
RF-30A, the organic-ceramic laminate in Taconic's RF substrate family, unleashes a new era of RF component design. With its stable electrical and mechanical properties, enhanced reliability, and optimized performance at high frequencies and temperatures, RF-30A empowers engineers to create high-quality RF designs. Its exceptional features, benefits, and availability worldwide position it as a top choice for applications requiring reliable and high-performance RF substrates. Embrace the power of RF-30A and unlock the full potential of your RF designs.